Curriculum Design
The curriculum at SMSS has been designed by us. It has been carefully planned and sequenced to ensure our children progress in all subjects year on year. We have clear progression and skills in all areas and we review and re-design our curriculum on a regular basis. We aim to ensure our pupils have the best possible chance of achieving success by provising them with a curriculum which is broad and knowledge rich.
Our Aims
We have a clear aim for our curriculum. To read our Intent click the image below.
Science
Our intent is to spark children's curiosity as scientists, developing a thirst for learning and finding out why things happen in the way that they do. The teaching of science at SMSS, follows the objectives laid out in the National Curriculum.
We use Plan Bee to support the delivery of the curriculum.
We value science as a core subject and want our pupils to learn key scientific vocabulary and knowledge as well as the skills linked to scientific working. We want our pupils to develop the ability to think independently and raise scientific questions, developing an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery so that they have an excitement and passion to pursue science at secondary school and know what career options it could lead to.
Computing
At St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Primary school, we understand that the children of today are growing up in an increasingly digital world, where technology and its uses are present in more ways and uses than ever before. In response to this, we as staff are aware of the pivotal role that we play in equipping our learners to cope with the positives and negatives associated with online experiences, helping our children to develop as respectful, responsible and confident users of technology, aware of measures that can be taken to keep themselves and others safe online. We also strive to give children the opportunites to develop and apply skills in a wide array of digital contexts. Our aim is to deliver a computing curriculum that is designed to balance acquiring a broad and deep knowledge alongside opportunities to apply skills in various digital contexts. Beyond teaching computing discreetly, we will give pupils the opportunity to apply and develop what they have learnt across wider learning in the curriculum.
This vision is achieved by:
- Applying and living the Gospel Values both online and offline.
- Ensuring that e-safety procedures permeate the Computing curriculum and are at the forefront of our minds.
- Equipping children with the skills to use and master a wide range of digital contexts.
- Delivering a broad and balanced Computing Curriculum (via Purple Mash) by covering the three areas of Computing – Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy.
Foundation Subjects
Here at St Mary Star of the Sea we strive to provide a balanced and broad curriculum which meets the needs of all pupils by giving them the skills, knowledge and understanding to prepare them for the future.
Our main focus is to ensure that we support the development of the whole child and promote a positive attitude to learning so our children can be successful, resilent and responsible learners.
Click on one of the tiles below to learn more about each subject.
MFL - Spanish
The skills, knowledge and understanding gained through learning a language contribute to the development of children’s oracy and literacy and to their understanding of their own culture and those of others. Our chosen themes provide an interdiction to the culture of Spanish –speaking countries and communities. It aims to foster pupil’s curiosity and help deepen their understanding of the world. We intend to enable pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in Spanish, providing opportunities for them to interact and communicate with others for practical purposes both in speech and in writing. In Lower Key Stage 2 we intend for pupils to acquire basic skills and understanding in Spanish with a strong emphasis on developing their Speaking and Listening ability. In Upper Key Stage 2 these skills will be further developed alongside Reading and Writing skills, gradually progressing to more complexity language concepts and greater learner independence and preparation for Key Stage 3.
